stimulus
noun [ C ] uk/ˈstɪm.jə.ləs/ us/ˈstɪm.jə.ləs/ stimuli /ˈstɪm.jʊ.laɪ/
C2 刺激（物），激励（物）；促进因素
something that causes growth or activity
Foreign investment has been a stimulus to the industry. 外国投资促进了该产业的发展。
The book will provide a stimulus to research in this very important area. 这本书将会对这一重要领域的研究起促进作用。
biology specialized（使身体部位产生反应的）刺激
something that causes part of the body to react
The tip of the tongue is sensitive to salt and sweet stimuli and the back of the tongue is sensitive to bitter stimuli. 舌尖对糖和盐的刺激很敏感，而舌根则对苦味的刺激很敏感。